A trilateral framework signed Saturday evening keeps the IDF security zone in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah disarms, with two pilot areas for the Lebanese army. Prime Minister Netanyahu called it a 'great achievement' and a blow to Iran.
The trilateral framework between Israel, Lebanon, and the United States was officially signed in Washington on Saturday evening, formalizing the IDF's security zone in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah disarms. The agreement also establishes two pilot zones for Lebanese army deployment — the first official Lebanese military presence in those areas in 44 years, according to details that emerged from Friday's signing at 20:42 Jerusalem. Prime Minister Netanyahu, speaking at a press conference at 20:45 Saturday (Jerusalem), called it a 'great achievement' and a blow to Iran, stating the deal explicitly excludes Iran and Hezbollah from Lebanon.
The deal was first reported by the desk on Friday evening (Jun 26, 20:42 Jerusalem), when a senior Israeli official detailed that the framework bars Iran and Hezbollah from Lebanon while granting Israel full military freedom of action inside a security zone along the Yellow Line. That official also said the agreement includes two pilot areas for Hezbollah disarmament — one south of the Litani River and one north of it. An initial bulletin at 22:37 Friday (unverified, single channel) had reported a U.S.-Lebanon recognition of the security zone, which was superseded by the trilateral confirmation. Netanyahu's Saturday evening remarks at 19:46 Jerusalem came after a press conference announcement.
As reported by The Zioneer on Friday (Jun 26, 20:57 Jerusalem), the framework is distinct from earlier unverified claims (Jun 12-17) that a U.S.-Iran regional arrangement included Lebanon on different terms, with Hezbollah-linked outlets and Lebanese political figures describing separate tracks. The Lebanese army has committed to searching for remnants of captured Israeli airman Ron Arad, per the Friday official briefing.
The full formal text of the agreement has not been published. Specific timelines for the pilot areas remain unconfirmed, and Hezbollah's cooperation with the disarmament provisions is an open question.
5 developments
- StrongSenior Israeli official details tripartite framework: Iran and Hezbollah excluded from Lebanon
- StrongUnverified report claims US, Lebanon sign deal recognizing Israeli security zone in southern Lebanon
- StrongIsrael-Lebanon framework: mutual recognition, IDF withdrawal after Hezbollah disarmament
- DevelopingIsrael’s security establishment stresses commitment to northern defense as US-Iran deal takes effect
Source and signal
- Internal intake